Flashback Friday — Collegiate Dreamin’

Flashback to fall 1996 and this silly picture of Catherine in an Arizona U sweatshirt that belonged to Basil (I don’t know why; he didn’t go there).

Basil and Catherine, fall 1996.

The photo seems appropriate given the news this week — four college acceptances so far, including Hofstra, her top choice.

When she checked in with someone at the school last week, they told her letters would go out on the 15th. Yet when I suggested she check the online portal Wednesday afternoon, she hesitated. “It’s still going to say ‘in review’,” she said, before finally giving in to curiosity and logging on anyway.

She didn’t breathe for a few seconds after the screen came up. I was mentally preparing hugs and tea, a big bowl of ice cream and a movie marathon when she turned the laptop to me so I could see the congratulatory message, too.

Then the tears started — tears of joy and relief, for although she’d had three other acceptances, Hofstra is where she really wants to be.

(Ironic, considering we almost turned around and went home when we arrived at their open house last year. Hofstra isn’t nearly as pretty as some of the other schools we visited, but something about it feels like home to her, and we were all enthralled with the early childhood education program we attended.)

“I guess you want to go to Hofstra,” I said.

“Did I cry after any other acceptance?” Catherine countered.

OK, then.

Now we’re checking the mailbox each day for the official paperwork.

And Catherine is telling anyone who will listen, even making a trip to her elementary school yesterday to share the news with a beloved teacher.

She went online to buy an emblazoned water bottle from the school store, because as far as Catherine is concerned, any occasion requires shopping.

Plus, she logged on to Facebook for the first time in a long time to change her status to Hofstra U Class of 2018, uploaded a screen shot of the congratulations message to Instagram, dressed in the school colors of gold and blue yesterday, marked the date of Admitted Students Day on the calendar — even created a countdown to move-in day on her iPhone.

Discussion

5 thoughts on “Flashback Friday — Collegiate Dreamin’”

Never doubted my little pumpkin would soar. Couldn’t be more proud or happier for Cathrine if I tried. But she had a good head start. She comes from good stock. You and Bill should take a bow too (before arthritis sets in and you can’t!)

And I hate to burst your bubble, but there isn’t a yard sale big enough or successful enough that will make a dent in what you’re looking at for the next 4 years!! Just saying…..

Congratulations to Catherine! And her parents. I know the worries about tuition only too well. When Stine was applying to schools, Bill told her not to worry about the cost — and she didn’t. We’re almost done paying off the loans, 14 years after she graduated.